Bayern power rankings, December 2013
The month of November has been very difficult for the Bayern squad, which suffered numerous injuries. Thankfully, a handful of players rose to the challenge with life-saving performances. Here are your monthly power rankings!
Players who are on the sidelines, or who haven’t played enough, do not appear.
9: Arjen Robben
Currently the best player on the team. Goals scored against CSKA and Braunschweig have made a different in games that were not the best performances by FCB. His importance has been heightened with the injuries in our attacking midfield. (Last month: 7.5)
9: Toni Kroos
His clout as a playmaker hasn’t diminished and he has proven that against Braunschweig with an assist to Robben. Other plays, like the interception that fed Robben against CSKA, have been much needed. (Last month: 8.5)
9: Mario Götze
It took him time to get going as a starter, but now he deserves to be on the pitch at kickoff. His goals against Dortmund and especially CSKA were beauties, and he’s been providing nice passes to goalscorers like Robben. (Last month: 8.5)
8.5: Philipp Lahm
The captain has been switching between defensive and attacking midfield, as well as right-back, whenever told. His efficiency only is at the maximum level when he plays RB. He gave us a huge boost in that fashion in the late stages against Dortmund. His current injury penalizes his ranking. (Last month: 9.5)
8.5: Franck Ribéry
You can’t contribute much to the team when you are injured. Franck was on a tear before breaking a rib and we are sure that he will return with energy. (Last month: 10)
8.5: David Alaba
Since the early season, his most important role has been providing support to Ribéry on the left, going forward and wide to create scoring chances. Yet, it’s his defending that was the most noticeable in November. Manuel Neuer owes him for two clean sheets (Dortmund and Braunschweig). (Last month: 8.5)
8.5: Manuel Neuer
Generally solid. He made a few big saves when the defence started wobbling. I’d give him a higher rating if he didn’t scare me when leaving his net so dangerously. (Last month: 8.5)
7.5: Dante
The Afro man has been stable in defence, making a few important stops on the counter, and a threat with headers when going forward. A bit weak against CSKA. We can expect more, but I’m happy with his work overall. (Last month: 7.5)
7.5: Javi Martinez
He returned just in time to take over the defensive midfield when Bastian Schweinsteiger got injured. His play as a virtual third central defender is solid but the few minutes he spent supporting the attacking midfield have been less convincing. (Last month: unranked)
7.5: Thiago
Having missed most matches with an injury, Thiago’s return has been important for the attack. His passing and vision have been impressive but I’d like to see more defensive contribution. (Last month: unranked)
7: Jérôme Boateng
Still reliable, he is somewhat less dominant in central defence and his long passes have had less influence on games lately. Improvements on his part would stabilize what currently is a shaky defence. (Last month: 8)
7: Mario Mandzukic
Hot in late October and early November, he has cooled down since the international break. Robben and Götze had to replace him in terms of goalscoring (Last month: 7)
6.5: Thomas Müller
While I love this player, I am disappointed with his performances. Uncomfortable both at false nine and on the right wing, his runs aren’t as dangerous and his misses on scoring chances have been unfortunate. A game or two on the bench are needed. (Last month: 6.5)
6: Rafinha
A very difficult man to rate. He gives honest performances, but his lack of versatility forces him to play a conservative brand of football in order not to make defensive mistakes. This deprives the right wing of his attacking support. (Last month: 6)